Maha Governor announces series of austerity measures to cut expenses

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. Picture/Twitter Official account

The Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari, on Thursday announced a series of austerity measures to reduce the expenses of Raj Bhavan so as to make more resources available for COVID-19 relief measures.

The Governor today gave instructions to Raj Bhavan to undertake the following measures in the current financial year to reduce its expenses:

1. No new capital works to be undertaken. There will not be any new major construction / repairing works in Raj Bhavan. Only ongoing works in progress will be continued and completed.

2. The Independence Day Reception to be held on 15th August 2020 at Raj Bhavan, Pune will be cancelled.

3. There will be no new regular recruitment in Raj Bhavan until further orders.

4. The proposal for the purchase of new car for Raj Bhavan be deferred.

5. The practice of offering gifts/mementos to VVIPS will be discontinued until further order.

6. The practice of welcoming VIP visitors with bouquets will be discontinued. Guest house rooms in Raj Bhavan should not be decorated with vases and flower-pots.

7. Meetings and interactions with Vice-Chancellors and various officers to be conducted via video conference to avoid any expenses on travel.

It is estimated that these measures will save nearly 10 to 15 percent of the budget of the Raj Bhavan in the current financial year. The Governor has already contributed his one month salary and further pledged 30 percent of his salary for one year to the PM CARES Fund for COVID- 19.

In the Governor's estimation, these austerity measures will be a small but significant contribution to save resources that can be used to reduce the sufferings of the people in the backdrop of the situation arisen because of the Coronavirus disease.

Governor's Austerity Measures At a Glance:

• No New Capital Works to be taken up in Raj Bhavan.
• No bouquets, gifts & mementoes for VVIPs.
• No Independence Day Reception this year.
• Car purchase for Raj Bhavan deferred.
• No new regular recruitment in Raj Bhavan.
• Meetings with Vice Chancellors, officials via video conference.
• Expected annual savings 10-15 per cent

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news